FOR OBVIOUS reasons, and perhaps due to a certain lack of imagination, 17-year-old Usain Bolt is often referred to as 'Lightning Bolt'. Originally from Trelawny and a graduate of William Knibb High School in the parish, he shot to fame at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston at the age of 15 when he won the gold medal in the 200 metres, and followed it up with another in the 4 x 400 metres and a silver in the 4 x 100m.
He regards Jamaican hero Herb McKenley and American Michael Johnson, the world record holder of 19.32 seconds, as his role models. If he continues at his current rate of improvement, that mark may very well be within his grasp within a few years after he set a new junior world record at the recently-held World Junior Championships in Hamilton, Bermuda, of 19.93 seconds - and he is still only 17. He is the fastest athlete over the distance this year - of any age group - and the first to go under 20 seconds in two years. This after equalling the former mark of 20.13 seconds at the 2003 Pan American Games.
Now at the High Performance Training Centre (HPTC) at the University of Technology (UTech), he and his teammates also beat a team of veterans at the February staging of the Gibson Relays, setting a meet record in the process, with Bolt running an incredible 44.90 seconds. He has also been described by the International Association of Athletics Federation as 'the future of 200m running' and to date has earned two 'Rising Star' awards from that organisation. On top of all of that, he is currently ranked at number 20 in the world in the 200 metres.
He also demonstrated his kindness by giving Manning's School student Kenroy Williams a 200m gold medal after the former fell ill at the CARIFTA Games and had to be hospitalised.
BOLT'S DECISION
It is worthy to note Bolt's decision - arrived at with his family - to remain and train in Jamaica, instead of going the route most of our other famous athletes have taken by going overseas to do so, usually by means of the American collegiate system. In this is accompanied by the great Dr. Arthur Wint, who took the gold medal in Bolt's other pet event, the 400 metres, at the 1948 Olympics - Jamaica's first Olympic gold. When asked about it, he made mention of the need for more investment in the island's track and field development.
Talking about investments, Bolt certainly set a record of sorts when he was signed by sportswear line Puma for an undisclosed sum. This happened amidst the only bit of controversy which has surrounded the young star - his lack of participation at the World Championships in August of last year, despite being with the team at the time. Many were holding their breaths in anticipation as to what Bolt would do when placed with the best of the world at the senior level, but it was not to be.
This angered some, but the problem was finally put down to a lack of communication. It had been rumoured that the athlete would not be running the 200 metres, but he may take part in the 4 x 400 metres relay. Despite this, the team's management and coaches maintained that Bolt would indeed be running. Of course he did not and speculation as to why this was the case ran rife for weeks after his return to the island. The generally arrived at consensus seemed to be that his management decided not to overextend the athlete, with an international senior debut at Athens a more preferable option. Not having Bolt run in Paris was met with approval in some quarters, who worried that he would become 'burnt out' if overextended.
Of course, this is all in the past now and a glorious future seems to glow just ahead.
Will Usain Bolt emulate or at least come close to the great Donald Quarrie's 200 metre gold medal run at the Olympics in 1976? One hates to speculate, but Jamaica can certainly place its hopes on a humble young man who is as fast as a speeding bullet to give it his best shot.
Quick interview with the 200-metre champ
AT 17 years old Usain Bolt is a two-time CARIFTA 200-metre champion, the Jamaican national 200-metre champion and the world junior 200-metre world record holder. He is also the first athlete his age to run under 20 seconds over the distance, having run an amazing 19.93 seconds to blitz the field at the recently concluded CARIFTA Games in Bermuda. With his sights firmly set on the Olympic Games in Greece in August, Usain Bolt aims to run even faster.
The Gleaner managed to slow Bolt down recently for five minutes to ask him a few questions after his triumphant return to the island. Considering how fast he runs, it must have seemed like an eternity for him.
How does it feel to be the fastest ever teenager in the history of the sport of track and field?
BOLT: It feels very good. I am really proud of myself and I'll be trying to continue being the fastest.
Already people are comparing you to Michael Johnson, and some of the fastest ever athletes over the 200 metres. Who are your role models and what do you take from them?
Michael Johnson and Herb McKenley are my role models. I like both because of their techniques, the way they run.
Are you surprised at how fast you have developed as a sprinter and does it scare you, the talent that you possess?
No, it does not scare me. I know I have great talent, and I am not really surprised any at all.
As you prepare for the Olympics, what are the greatest challenges facing you as a junior athlete about to compete against the best athletes in the world?
I just need to train hard and work towards what I want. I am training hard and hoping to do my best.
Do you believe, barring injury or any unforeseen circumstances, that the gold medal is yours in Athens?
I won't say gold. I am hoping I can just get a medal. I am halfway through my training and I am doing good so far.
How have your parents been coping with you away from home (in Trelawny), living on your own carving out your niche in track and field history?
They are coping well. They call me a lot to make sure that I am okay. They are supporting me a lot.
What has been the biggest change now from how you lived your life while you were a student at William Knibb?
Moving from out of school and changing my coach. (Private tutoring) is much easier than school, there are less distractions. It's been a good change.
Do you have time for socialising, girlfriends, and other such pursuits now that your life has taken on the busy schedule of a world class athlete?
I do have a personal life. I do have my little 'friend'. I enjoy my life.
What other sports do you like and if you were not a sprinter, what other sport would you do?
I like basketball and cricket but I like basketball more. I was once a fast bowler.
After track and field, what next?
I am looking at going into computing, doing a major in computing. The world is changing when it comes to technology and I am looking towards that.
Was it a difficult decision to remain here in Jamaica after being offered so many scholarships, and having done so do you think it is a significant step in helping to develop even further track and field here in Jamaica?
My parents and I sat down and decided that I will not go overseas. I think it was a good decision. Regarding facilities, they need more help from the Government if we are to keep athletes from going overseas.
Does the world record (19.32 seconds) still seem far away?
Nothing is impossible but I am not looking at that right now. I am just looking towards the Olympics right now.
What is the most memorable thing that an athlete younger than yourself has said to you?
That I am their role model and that they would like to be like me someday.
Have you changed?
I have just been training hard. Nothing has changed, I have continued training like I have always used to. Yes, maybe something has changed, (He smiles). I am a couple of inches taller than last year!
